A flaxen-headed cowboy, as simple as may be,
And next a merry plough boy, I whistled o`er the lea;
But now a saucy footman, I strut in worsted lace,
And soon I`ll be a butler, and whey my jolly face.

When steward I`m promoted I`ll snip the tradesmen`s bill,
My master`s coffers empty, my pockets for to fill.
When lolling in my charlot so great a man I`ll be,
So great a man, so great a man, so great a man I`ll be,
You`ll forget the little plough boy who whistled o`er the lea.
You`ll forget the little plough boy who whistled o`er the lea.


I`ll buy votes at elections, and when I`ve made the pelf,
I`ll stand poll for the parliament, and then vote in myself.
Whetever`s good for me, sir, I never will oppose:
When all my ayes are sold off, why then I`ll sell my noes.


I`ll joke, harangue and paragraph, with speeches charm the ear,
And when I`m tired on my legs, then I`ll sit down a peer.
In court or city honour so great a man I`ll be,
So great a man, so great a man, so great a man I`ll be,
You`ll forget the little plough boy who whistled o`er the lea.
You`ll forget the little plough boy who whistled o`er the lea